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On the fence about Vinyl need a good phono stage for A/B testing

Got myself Rega P6, but humm I am not so sure if I want to listen to Vinyl over lossless audio. I have SET tube amp and thinking if I have to get tube phono stage or a good SS will suffice. The speakers will be Legacy Aeris. 

I am thinking ti try out Project Tube Box DS2 but guessing if I should I go all out with Luxman EQ-500 or be rational and settle for Parasound JC3+.

The signal chain will be Rega P6 with Ortofon Bronze -> Phono Stage -> Legacy Wavelet processor -> Line Magnetic 508ia -> Legacy Aeris.

Any advice is helpful.

thanks
geek101
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amg56
887 posts
 

@audiofun @geek101 Hi guys, Sorry for my delay and this being a short message. I Used a TE Audio Systeme phono input (from Germany) , a Yamaha 5000, and an older Onkyo. The Luxman coupled with any of my TT's (Kuzma, MS BL-91, a DDX-1500, Nakamichi and a old JVC QL-Y5F) and the Luxman beats anything hands down.

I agree with Audiofun but it changes with the cartridge and arm. I mainly use a Jan Allearts cart (I have 2) amongst others. The sound is fantastic, apart from the condition of my vinyl. They need a re-clean badly. :)

audiofun
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amg56:

That sounds awesome! I use an ART 1000, London Ref and Ana Mighty Sound 103.3 with the Luxman although the London belongs to the SPL Phonos :)

The ART 1000 and 103.3 sound absolutely stunning with the EQ500.
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amg56
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Audiofun: Love your system. Agree with you 100%
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kahlenz
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The DSP will suck some life out of your vinyl; I would try it with and without.  For me, I am willing to put up with some less than perfect resonances for the sparkling purity of a well reproduced analog signal.  There is a certain emotional thrill and sense of involvement that I get listening to records that just doesn't happen with digital sources (despite the fact that they almost assuredly measure better)).

That said, I have ploughed through a number of phono preamps over the years.  Some of the best were built in to the 60's and 70's era electronics.  If the piece of equipment has a pre-out, they are fun to audition.

Almost any modern phono-pre is going to sound pretty good.  You will get a lot more variety and "bang-for-your-buck" entertainment value messing around with different cartridges.  Before I would haul off and invest a ton of money on a phono pre, I would at least try out some different MM cartridges (Grado, AT, Rega - the Exact would be a good fit).

Moving into MC territory, it is more important to match the phono pre to the cartridge.  Your selection of a phono-pre will be more critical, especially if you are moving up the price chain.

For under $1000 MM cartridges, I would recommend the Schiit Mani, although just about any would do.  At this price point, the subtle refinements of an expensive phono pre will be barely discernible.
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kahlenz
274 posts
 
I have an Odyssey Audio Suspiro that I would put head-to-head with the Parasound JC3 (at least as far as sound goes, the JC3+'s variable loading is more convenient and offers a few more options for cartridge loading).  The Suspiro matches well enough to most cartridges that it is an absolute bargain considering the cost (around $1250).  I am currently running it with a Hana SL - highly recommended!
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